Safe Jobs Collaborative

BEST's Safe Jobs Program works with local service agencies to help survivors and people at risk of human trafficking find safe and stable employment.

WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?

Human Trafficking happens when a person either (a) involves a minor in a commercial sex act like prostitution or (b) uses force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into work or prostitution.

IS IT A PROBLEM?

An estimated 300-500 children are prostituted yearly in greater Seattle.
Youth typically enter prostitution at ages 13-15 years old.
117 labor trafficking cases were reported in Washington State from 2012 to 2017.

"But I can tell you that running was not the hard part. The hard part was choosing poverty. The hard part was starting over at age 26, with an 8-year-old girl, being homeless. The hard part was having a criminal record, a huge gap in job history, and more trauma than any person should live with. The hard part was 'What now?'"

Rebecca Bender
Founder & CEO, The Rebecca Bender Initiative

A lack of employment opportunities is one of the most serious barriers individuals face when attempting to rebuild their lives after escaping a trafficker.

BENEFITS OF BECOMING A SAFE JOBS EMPLOYER

Receive job applications from qualified applicants. Applicants are prescreened and receive ongoing job readiness and wrap-around support from social service agencies.
Get support for your staff throughout the application and onboarding process.

Attend valuable training to address stress, trauma, and resilience in the workplace.
Receive public recognition from BEST.
Help to meet your goals for diversity and inclusion.

"Employers often overlook young people who lack traditional qualifications. But, for many of the young people involved in our job training programs, their life experiences have made them resilient, motivated, and loyal - all qualities that are a great benefit to employers who give them a chance."

-Melinda Giovengo, CEO, YouthCare

HOW TO BECOME A SAFE JOBS COLLABORATIVE EMPLOYER

1. Complete a survey about the employer's policies, pay, benefits, and work culture

2. Attend the Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Training

3. Interview Safe Jobs Collaborative applicants

4. Implement policies against sex buying and human trafficking

"Liletha Williams, a sex trafficking survivor who was first trafficked at twelve years old, has worked for years helping survivors and now at-risk youth gain skills for employment. Recently, we asked her what she thinks businesses can do to help survivors and her answer was simple: 'Hire us. Give us jobs.'"

- Paula Clapp, Found Director, Stolen Youth